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KANJUNDU 



OR 



FROM FEAR OF THE ENEMY 



By 



HELEN L. WILLCOX 




Missionary Education Movement of the 

United States and Canada 

156 Fifth Avenue New York 



COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY 

MISSIONARY EDUCATION MOVEMENT OF THE 

UNITED STATES AND CANADA 



IMPORTANT 

Price, $.25 each, postpaid. The purchase of the fifteen copies of 
Kanjundu necessary for its production conveys the right to present- 
it for purposes of rehgious education. In consideration of this 
permission, leaders are asked to pledge themselves to follow as 
far as possible those methods which will conserve its educational 
and spiritual values. Orders for copies, requests for further 
information, and written permits may be secured from the denom- 
inational Mission Boards or the IMissionary Education Movement,. 
156 Fifth Avenue, New York. 



©CLA3:30838 



/to I 



PS 35^-5 

iqi3 



EDITOR'S NOTE 

The Missionarj Education Movement recognizes the vahie of the dramatic ele- 
ment in reHgious education, and undertakes to cooperate with those desiring to 
secure full benefits from its use. 

Those interested in this form of religious education should seek to acquaint 
themselves with those principles which scientifically relate the use of the dramatic 
instinct to other educational processes. Unless the work of preparation and pres- 
entation be regulated in this way, the method will not only fail to yield satisfactory 
results, but much harm may be done. 

Only those missionary plays will be published by the Missionary Education! 
Movement which are especially calculated to serve the purposes of religious education. 

Further information may be secured from the denominational Mission Boards or 
the Missionary Education Movement, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. 



CHARACTERS 

Mrs. Harvey, the ^Missionary's wife. 

Miss Elizabeth Deming, a visitor. 

Mr. Harvey, the Missionary. 

Kanjundu, a Bantu chief. 

Mamba, a witch-doctor. 

Chikula, an EvangeHst. 

Kilinqa, Kanjimdu's wife. 

Konde, a native woman. 

Oraniga, an old woman. 

Bayona, a schoolboy. 

Anege, a schoolboy. 

MsiDi, a schoolboy. 

Ivaha, a schoolboy. 

Ayenwe, a schoolboy. 

Ngvvanga, a schoolboy. 



PLACE 

The garden of the mission school. Trees and plants. There should be three 
chairs and a bench at the left. The scene remains unchanged throughout the 
play. 

COSTUMES 

MRS. HARVEY 
A simple American dress of white. 

MISS DEMING 
A white dress. 

MR. HARVEY 
A white suit. 

KANJUNDU 
A straight tunic, reaching to the knees, of flowered calico. 

MAMBA 

A shaggy dress, looking like thatch, that covers him completely ; a wooden mask, 
if desired, in Parts I and 11, with horns. 



6 KANJUNDU 

CHIKULA 
A white American suit ; or white trousers and blue coat. 

KILINGA 
A flowered tunic reaching to the ankle. 

KONDE 
A white tunic. 

ORANIGA 
A flowered tunic. 

SCHOOLBOYS 
White tunics to the knees. Or white shirts and knee-pants. 

Note.— For illustration of a witch-doctor's costume, see Fetichism in West Africa, by Robert 
Hamill Nassau, frontispiece. 



ACCESSORIES 

Embroidery for Mrs. Harvey and Miss Deming. 

Short spear for Mamba; also, a fetish. (Almost anything will serve the purpose, 

but possibly a string of shells, bones, horns, etc., would be most effective.) 
Fetishes for Kanjundu. 

Various tools and farming implements for the schoolboys. 
(Those who come from the right, in the third scene, should have tools of the 

carpenter's trade, and those who come from the fields should have farming 

implements.) 



KANJUNDU 

PART I 

The garden of the mission school at Chisamba. Mrs. Harvey and Miss Deming 
come in with their embroidery and sit down. 

IIRS. HARVEY 
What a joy it is to have you here, Bess! 

BESS 

It's good to find friends in the wilds of Africa. I could never understand 
your coming out here in the least, Ethel, until I found that I cared enough for 
my beloved botany to come, and then I reasoned that you probably cared as much 
for the souls of the heathen. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Why, Bess ! Don't you ? 

BESS 

I'm afraid the souls of the heathen are rather vague to my mind, dear. 

MRS. HARVEY 
You need to live here to know them. 

BESS 

Please don't think me irreverent or unsympathetic. I truly want to know 
more about them. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Well, I see two of them coming over the hill there, now. 
(Pointing tozvard right.) 

BESS 

(Looking off to right.) 
Who are they, Ethel? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Let me see (Shading her eyes and looking steadily to right.) Ah! yes, 

that is Kilinga ! I don't know who the older woman is. I never saw her before. 



8 KANJUNDU 

BESS 
Well, who is Kilinga? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Kilinga is Kanjundu's favorite wife. At least, I think she is. He has about 
twenty, and seems quite impartial on the whole 

BESS 
Twenty ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh ! that is nothing unusual, for a chief. But I gather, from the way he 
speaks of Kilinga, that he cares more for her than for the others. And her 
admiration for the chief is really almost romantic. 

BESS 
For what does she admire him? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Partly for his physical strength and courage, but I think fully as much for 
his moral courage. Kanjundu is an unusual man. 

BESS 
Tell me about him. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Well, then, you must know that when we first beheld Kanjundu in the streets 
of Chisamba, he was dressed up for his visit to the town by having a white cotton 
cloth about the size of a towel pinned over his shoulders. He is very black, and 
I assure you the contrast was striking. 

BESS 
I can imagine! What does he wear now? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh, now he is gorgeous in a tunic of bright, flowered calico. But in the 
days of the white shoulder-cape he laughed loudly and contemptuously at the 
mission, and declared to the citizens of Chisamba, whenever he could get any one 
to listen, that in Jiis village they needed no white people to teach them. 

BESS 
Where is his village? 



PART I 9 

MRS. HARVEY 

Only three or four miles from here. He has an unusually powerful witch- 
doctor, in whom he has unlimited confidence. 

BESS 
What is a witch-doctor, Ethel, anyway? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Ah ! that is a long story. I have been here six years, and I am constantly 
discovering some new function of the species. Perhaps the worst of their power 
in the old days was that they had the right to condemn to death, with no trial, 
persons suspected of witchcraft. I suppose Kanjundu's "doctor" has been the 
cause of more deaths in his village than all other causes put together. 

BESS 

How horrible! But that is stopped now, surely? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, the Portuguese government has of course passed laws against it, and 
they are fairly well enforced in this region. 

BESS 
Now do go on about Kanjundu ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Well, Kanjundu was an annoyance to the mission for several years. More 
than that, he was at times an actual menace. 

BESS 
What did he do? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Once when John had twenty men hard at work putting up a new building 
for a workshop, the chief told them that certain pieces of the wood they were 
to use had been made into fetishes by his witch-doctor, and that the spirits now 
residing in them would instantly kill any man who dared to drive a nail through 
them, or touch them with any sort of tool. 

BESS 
Did they believe that? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh — implicitly! And, since no one could tell zi'liich pieces of lumber had been 
so treated, the natives dropped their tools and departed, one and all! 



10 KANJUNDU 

BESS 
And how did you finish the shop? 

MRS. HARVEY 

It turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened for the school. 
The boys had learned enough not to be frightened by Kanjundu's witch-tales, and 
they went to work with a will, and finished the building in ten days. 

BESS 
How proud they must have been ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, and they learned more about carpentry in those ten days than they would 
have learned in six months in any other way. 

{Ngwanga, a schoolboy, comes in, right, and crosses at 
back.) 

Oh ! Ngwanga, come and tell Miss Deming the story about the spring. 

(Ngwanga comes forward.) 

XGWAXGA 

We know better than that now, Teacher ! 

MRS. HARVEY 
I hope so ; but Miss Deming wants to hear the story. 

BESS 
Please tell me ! 

NGWANGA 

Kanjundu said the water was bewitched and would make us all sick. 

MRS. HARVEY 
(To Bess.) 
All our drinking-water came from that spring ! 

BESS 

(To Ngwanga.) 
What did you do? 

NGWANGA 

We — we went home ! 



All of you? 



Yes — but we came back ! 



Why i 



PART I 
BESS 

NGWANGA 

BESS 

NGWANGA 



We watched, and we saw that the teachers drank the water and it did not 
hurt them, so we came back. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, they all came back in less than a week, and after that Kanjundu's threats 
had no effect. 

NGWANGA 

May I go? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, Ngwanga. Thank you. {Ngwanga runs out, left.) After all this, my 
dear, you may perhaps imagine our astonishment one morning when Kanjundu 
appeared with ten of his sons, and announced that they had all come to school ! 

BESS 
Eleven of them ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, eleven of them, and they didn't know their alphabets ! We formed a 
Beginners' class, and, my dear, / taught it ! 

BESS 
You ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Even I ! You see, the chief refused to be taught by one of the native teachers 
whom he had known all his life, and John could not spare the time, and so I 
had to. 

BESS 
Did he learn? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, but of course his boys learned faster than he did. However, he was not 
discouraged, and apparently not in the least disturbed by the tittering and giggling 
among the town boys, which I could not quite prevent. 



12 KANJUNDU 

BESS 
He must have some moral courage ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Indeed he has, and the latest evidence of it is that he has given up drinking 
beer which he used to get from traders coming from American vessels at the 
coast. 

BESS 

American! Do we send that stuff over here? 

MRS. HARVEY 

To our everlasting shame ! American liquor has devastated this country more 
cruelly than the slave-trade did. 

BESS 
How Christian of us ! And it must add great difficulties to your fight. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, but it has been a winning fight, here. They say it is a common remark 
among the liquor dealers in this region that it is of no use to offer rum to the 
Chisamba boys ! 

BESS 

Splendid! Here are your callers. 

MRS. HARVEY 

See how Kilinga is helping the older woman along! Isn't she tender? 

(Mrs. Harvey rises and goes tozvard right to meet Kilinga 
and Oraniga, Zl'Iw come in. She shakes hands zcith 
each of them.) 

^IRS. HARVEY 

Kilinga, I am so glad you came to see me this morning ! And you've brought 
a friend with you. That's nice. I have a friend staying with me, too, whom I 
want you to meet. Come and sit down. (She helps the old woman to make 
herself comfortable, then sits down herself.) This is my friend. Miss Deming, 
who is traveling in Africa, and will be with us for some weeks. She knows 
something about you, and is very glad to see you. What is your friend's name, 
Kilinga ? 

KILINGA 

Her name is Oraniga. She lives in my village, but it is hard for her to walk, 
so she has never been here with me before. 



PART I 13 

ORANIGA 
No, not for a long time ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh, yes ! I am glad Kilinga helped you to come. 

KILIXGA 

She wants to tell you about something that happened here long ago, when 
she was young. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh, that will be nice. I always like to hear about what happened long ago. 

ORAXIGA 

Yes, when I heard about your teachings, I said you could tell me whether 
it was true — what my mother told me. 

MRS. HARVEY 

It is not always easy to know what is true, Oraniga, but I will tell you, if 
I know. What is the story? 

ORANIGA 

When I was very small — no higher than that {holding her hand about three 
feet from the ground) — we lived in a village up there in the hills, and one day 
the Arabs came, and they took my father away, and I never saw him again. The 
next day they came back and took all the women and children that were left in 
the village. Some had run away into the woods. They brought us as far as that 
great tree over there, and then tied us together, for the night, so that we couldn't 
run away. My arm ached terribly, it was tied so tight. And I was so thirsty. 

BESS 
The fiends ! 

MRS. HARVEY 
And you stayed that way all night? How did you get away? 

ORANIGA 

In the morning, the men went down to the spring to get water and while 
they were gone, we saw a great many men coming through the woods. Some 
of them carried large packs on their heads, and some carried guns. We knew 
what they were because the Arabs had some, and they had frightened us by 
shooting them off. When we saw these men, we were afraid they would shoot 
us, but they didn't. They just stopped a little way off, and looked at us, and 
talked together. Then they turned back, and we saw more men coming, and 
then — a white man ! Not brown, like the Arabs, but white — like you ! The men 
pointed to us, and then he came — oh ! so quickly ! — and cut the cords that bound 
us, and told us to run away. I have never forgotten his face. He looked as if 
he cared about us. 



14 KANJUNDU 

MRS. HARVEY 
(Almost breathless zvith interest.) 
Who was it, Oraniga? 

ORAXIGA 

My mother asked one of the men with him, and he said he was called Living- 
stone — David Livingstone. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Bess! Livingstone! Under that tree! I have held classes under that tree! 
We should hold chapel service there ! Oh ! Bess, think of it ! We knew he must 
liave passed through this general region, but we never knew he was so near. (To 
Oraniga.) I am so glad you came to tell me about this. Go on, please. What 
happened next? 

ORAXIGA 

I don't know what happened to the Arabs. We didn't wait to see. We heard 
that the white man drove them away. We were afraid for a long time that they 
•would come back, but they never did. 

MRS. HARVEY 
And so you were saved! But what was it that your mother told you? 

ORAXIGA 

It was this. The old people have always told us that their parents told them 
that some day a Son of God would come to live among us who would save us 
from our enemies and make us happy. My mother said that this Livingstone was 
the one they had been hoping for, so long. I want you to tell me if it is true. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Ah ! Oraniga, he was a true follozver of that One. He came long ago, and 
Livingstone came in his name, and in his strength. 

ORAXIGA 
Who was this One? 

MRS. HARVEY 
He was Jesus — who is called the Christ. 

ORANIGA 
Why did we never hear of him? 



PART I 15 

MRS. HARVEY 

Why— why? Oh, Bess, the pity of it! (To Oraniga.) Because there have 
not been enough who followed him as Livingstone did. We have been too slow ! 
But we are here to tell you of him now. 

ORANIGA 

The Arabs do not come any inore. Are you sure that "Livingstone was not 
the One? 

MRS. HARVEY 

He came with a true message from the Master, and it is through him — 
Christ — that the fear of the slave raider has been banished from this region. 

ORANIGA 

And can you tell me more about him — this Christ? 

MRS. HARVEY 
I shall be so glad to, Oraniga. 

KILINGA 

Oh, they can tell you many things — wonderful things — here, Oraniga ! 

ORANIGA 
It is hard for me to come. 

^IRS. HARVEY 

Here comes Konde ! I'm sure she will come over to see you, and tell you 
all she knows, and perhaps once in a while some of the big schoolboys from your 
village will bring you down in a litter. {To Bess.) Konde has just been away 
attending the Woman's Conference. 

BESS 

A Woman's Conference in Africa! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh ! our women are very progressive. It will not require militant methods 
to get the suffrage here, when Africa is once Christianized. The Conference 
was held way up near the border of the Kongo Free State this time. 

BESS 
The " Free State," indeed ! What a pathetic farce that name proved to be I 



i6 KANJUNDU 

MRS. HARVEY 

YeSj but here is Konde. She will be full of the Conference. 

{She goes toward riglit, cDid meets Konde, who greets her 
joyfully, and both come back to the bench. Konde 
recognizes Kilinga, and Mrs. Harvey introduces Miss 
Dolling and Oraniga. They sit down.) 

MRS. HARVEY 
Now tell us all about the Conference, Konde ! 

KONDE 

It was beautiful! I'm so glad I could go. My husband said he would take 
care of the children and keep the house while I was away — and he did, too. {Mrs. 
Harvey and Bess exchange looks, Bess of astonishment, and Mrs. Harvey of amuse- 
ment at her surprise.) I have a great deal to tell you, but — I have been so troubled 
all the way home that I can hardly think about the Conference. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Why, what is it, Konde? 

KONDE 

There was a woman there from the Kongo and she told us about the rubber 
agents — what terrible things they did there. It made me think — {with a shiver) — 
of the stories the old people tell about the slave-trade, only I think it must be 
worse. The Arabs took people away, but at least they took them whole. These 
men — ugh — they cut them up! 

MRS. HARVEY 
{Sadly.) 



Yes, dear, we know. 



KONDE 



Have you heard about it? This woman's brother had his right arm cut off, 
because he couldn't find all the rubber the agent ordered. They were afraid all 
the time, day and night. 



So many are afraid ! 



I^IRS. HARVEY 



BESS 



We must Christianize some Christian nations, before we'll have the kingdom 
of heaven on this earth, I fancy! 



PART I 17 

MRS. HARVEY 

Konde, this dear old woman has walked all the way from Kanjundu's village, 
and is very tired. Won't you take her into the schoolhouse to rest awhile, and 
talk with her? I think when you hear her story you will want to go out and 
visit her. 

(Konde helps Oraniija to get up.) 

KONDE 

You shall have a nice rest, and a glass of coconut milk. 

ORANIGA 

You are very kind. (Lookiih/ back at Mrs. Hari'ey.) There is something 
about your face that makes me think of that man — that Livingstone. (Kiliiiga 
supports Oraniga 011 the other side, and all three ivonien go out.) 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh, Bess, I have realized since I came here the significance of the old prayer, 
that we might be defended from the fear of our enemies! 

BESS 
The fear works more havoc than the enemy, I suppose. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Vastly more ! and there is a fear more deadly and more difficult to wipe out 
than the fear of slave raider, or rubber agent. 

BESS 
What is it, dear? 

MRS. HARVEY 
The fear of witchcraft, and evil spirits. It holds the land in bondage, Bess. 

BESS 
Only teaching, of course, can rid them of it. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes, and the process is so slow. You see we cannot actually disprove the 
existence of the evil spirits that they fear. 

(Kilinga rushes frantically in. and throzi's herself at Airs. 
Harvey's feet.) 

KILINGA 

Don't let them get me! Hide me! I didn't do it! I didn't! They're coming 
after me ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Hush, Kilinga! Be quiet, and tell me who is coming after you. 



i8 KANJUNDU 

KILINGA 

Kanjundu and the witch-doctor! (Pointing toward right.') Don't you see 
them up there? They think I bewitched him, but I didn't, I didn't! 

AIRS. HARVEY 
Of course you didn't, Kilinga ! But who is it they thought you bewitched? 

KILIXGA 
(Soincti'hat calmed by Mrs. Harz'cy's quiet fiiniuess.) 

Ngya, Kanjundu's cousin, died last night, and some of the chief's other wives 
who hate me persuaded tlic doctor to say I had bewitched him. 

MRS. HARVEY 
And then you ran away, down here? 

KILINGA 

I was afraid, but I didn't think they'd follow me. Oh! don't let them take me! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Kilinga, you know the law forbids the poison ordeal, and people are not 
executed for witchcraft any longer. What could they do to you? 

KILIXGA 

I don't know, but the doctor can do terrible things. He could make me sick 
without even coming near me ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

(To Bess.) 

There are some boys in the field over there. (Pointing to left.) Send one 
of them to call John, please. ( She goes on trying to comfort Kilinga, zvhile Miss 
Deming summons one of the boys.) Kilinga, you know that God is your Father, 
and will care for you. I thought you had learned better than to be afraid of the 
witch-doctor. 

(Ayenwe, a sclioolboy, comes in, left.) 

BESS 

(To Ayenwe.) 

Run to the school and ask Mr. Harvey to come into the garden— quick, please ! 
(Ayenwe runs out. right.) Here they are, Ethel! 

(Kanjundu and the zcitch-doctor. Mamba. come in. right. 
Kilinga hides quickly behind Mrs. Harvey, but Kan- 
jundu sees her and comes toivard her, smiling.) 



PART I 19 

KANJUNDU 

I thought you would be here! 

{Maniba grins sa^'ogcly and makes cxprcssiz'c gestures 
with his sword and fetish. Kilinga eowers in terror 
behind Mrs. Harvey.) 

KANJUNDU 

{To Mrs. Harvey.) 
I have come to see the missionary. 

MRS. H.XRVEY 

He will be here in a moment, "^'ou did not come to school this morning, 
Kanjundu. 

KANJUNDU 
No. My cousin has died. 

MRS. HARVEY 
I am very sorry. 

MAMBA 

The woman thinks she will be safe l)y running to these silly white folk! 
{Turning n/^on Kilinga suddenly, zvith sfear raised.) It is of no use for you to 
run. The spirit of Ngya will follow you. Before he died I gave him power to 
become a leopard, that he might avenge himself on you. 

KILINGA 

{In terror.) 
A leopard ! Where is he ? 

MAMBA 

Ha ! Ha ! Where is he? ]'r>» will not know, until your hones crunch between 
his teeth. / can see him, in the forest, prowling about and waiting for you. It 
will not matter how many others pass that way before you — he will not devour 
them. He is no common beast. He is a leopard-fiend — the spirit of Ngya, whom 
you murdered, and he waits for you. 

KANJUNDU 
( To Kilinga.) 
You need not fear him. Wait! Listen! You shall hear. 



20 KANJUNDU 

MAMBA 

(Startled.) 

What is it she shall hear? 

(Mr. Harx'cy comes in, right, followed by Ayeuwe, Zi'ho 
makes gestures summoning the other boys from the 
field. They come in, left, during the following con- 
versation.) 

MR. HARVEY 
Good-morning, Kanjtnidu ! I am glad to see you. You asked for me? 

KANJUNDU 

(Deliberately.) 

Yes. This man (pointing to Mamba) is my witch-doctor. He has killed a 
great many people. I don't think he has ever saved any man's life. You have 
a doctor here, in the hospital. He saves lives. He does not kill. 

MAMBA 
Treachery ! 

KANJUNDU 

My cousin was ill. My heart told me to come to your doctor. But I was 
very proud and foolish, and 1 went once more to this man. He did no good, 
and my cousin died. HI had come to you, he would have lived. 

MAMBA 
You shall regret this ! 

(Oraniga and Kondc come in, right.) 

KANJUNDU 

Now this man says that Kilinga, my wife there, bewitched my cousin. I do 
not believe it. She did not bewitch him. 

MAMBA 

Think not that the folly of this man will save you, woman ! The spirit of 
Ngya, the leopard-fiend, out there in the bush, — he knows who bewitched him. 

KANJUNDU 

See! She cowers on the ground because she is afraid of this man — this 
foolish doctor ! I am tired of seeing people afraid of him ! I am through with 

him ! 



PART I 21 



ORANIGA 



Mamba! Do not listen to him! He is beside himself! He does not know 
what he is saying ! 

MAMBA 

Hush, woman! He is indeed beside himself, but it is these foreigners, with 
their foolish signs and books, that make him so, and there is no charm for that. 
By the power of my fetish, I have seen it all. 1 have known that he would turn 
against me. I could not save him, for these white people are in league with strong 
evil spirits against which no fetish can prevail. 

{Kaiijitiidii looks doubtfully from Mamba to Mr. Harvey.) 

MR. HARVEY 
You know that is not true, Kanjundu. 

MAMBA 

Kanjundu deserves the punishment that will come upon him, l)ut his innocent 
people — they, too, must sutTer with him ! The punishment shall come on all alike. 

{Oraiiiya is terror-stricken, and Kondc is Iryimj to com- 
fort her, while Mrs. Har7'cy and Bess attempt to 
pacify Kiliiiga.) 

MR. HARVEY 
Kanjundu, do you still fear this man's power? 

KANJUNDU 

{Defiantly, but lialf-fearfully.) 

No! T have no more need of him. When I, or my people, are sick, I will 
come to you. I brought this man here to tell him, before you. that I will have 
nothing more to do with him. [To the zvifcli-doctor.) Mamba, you may go! 

MAMBA 

I will bewitch you and your whole village. I will hold back the rain, until 
you perish from thirst — (turning to Mr. Harvey) — you, too, and all your fine 
Christians that you have taught to make fun— to point the finger of contempt at 
me. You shall die, all of you. You shall know at the last that it is Mamba 
who holds the truth ! 

MR. HARVEY 

(Paying no attention to Mamba's threats.) 
Kanjundu, we rejoice with you! This is indeed a triumph. 



22 KANJUNDU 

MRS. HARVEY 
{To Bess.) 
It means a whole village freed, Bess ! 

MAMBA 

I tell you, you shall die in agony — all of you ! 

MR. HARVEY 

We shall all die sometime, Mamba, but it is not given to you to say how 
or when. 

MAMBA 

Was it not given to me to predict that Nyambi should have a sickness in 
his back? Was it not even as I said? 

ORAXIGA 
It is true ! 

MAMBA 

Was it not given to me to know that Kasa should fall dead in the path when 
the last hunting-trip was starting? 

ORANIGA 
He said so ! He does what he will ! 

KILINGA 
He can kill us all ! 

MAMBA 

Was it not given to me to tell Ilambe that her last child should die after 
three days ? 

KANJUNDU 
(Wavering.) 
He said so. 

MAMBA 

(JVitli a rising note of triuml^h as Kanjundu hesitates.) 

Then do you think it is not given to me, Mamba, to know what things shall 
befall those who are traitors to their best friends?— what sicknesses, what torments, 
what wild beasts from the jungle shall come upon them? 



PART I 23 

KA\'JUNDU 

(After an inzcard struggle.) 

Let them come ! Do your worst, Mamba ! It is better for us all to die than 
to live in fear of you and your fetishes. These white people — they do not fear, 
and they are happy. I will live as they do ! My people shall learn to lielieve in 
their spirits and fear not. 

MAMBA 
By the power of my fetish, I will 

KANJUXDU 

I do not believe in the power of your fetish! Let it do its worst. Why 
should you wait, Mamba? Take vengeance now. Speak to your fetish that it 
strike me now, where 1 stand ! 



No! 



KILINGA 



{Kanjundu looks eo)nniandingl\' at Mamha. zvlio is angry 
and helpless. He dares not strike the chief, but lifts 
his fetish tim'ard him threateningly, and then slou'ly 
retires, backzcard. before Kanjundit's fixed gacc. 
Kilinga emerges canliously from behind Mrs. 
Harz'cx.) 



IMamba gone? 



Mamba gone! 



]\Iamba gone 



KILINGA 

ORANIGA 

(/;; a]nazement.) 

KILINGA 



KANJUNDU 

Yes! Come home with me now. {To Mr. Harvey.) Next time we're sick, 
we come to you ! 

(Kaniundu goes off, Kilinga following.) 

BESS 
I don't wonder she admires him! 

INTERMISSION 



PART II 

Several boys are heard singing an African melody. Mrs. Harvey and Miss Deming 
come into the garden and sit down, with their work. 

BESS 

Do you know, Ethel, I begin to think this talk about the laziness of the 
African is all nonsense. Those boys seem to enjoy their work all the time. 

AIRS. HARVEY 

Of course they do! The Industrial DepartnitMit here has been a revelation 
to us. The increase in their self-respect is wonderful, when they find they are 
actually earning their own living. 

BESS 

They are all so good-natured and cheerful! But what was the excitement 
about this morning — when I was trying to get my last nap? 

MRS. HARVEY 
Oh! did they disturb you? I'm sorry, dear. 

BESS 

It doesn't matter ! I was only indulging in a little extra sleep in preparation 
for the early start to-morrow. 

MRS. HARVEY 
How I dread to have you go, Bess. 

BESS 

I shan't be gone more than six months, and you know I've promised to stop 
on my way back to the coast. 

MRS. HARVEY 

You must! Well, as to the noise — it's not only the boys who are excited this 
morning. We are all in suspense. 

BESS . 

What is it? 

24 



PART II 25 

MRS. HARVEY 
Why, you see, Chikula went out to Kanjundu's village last night 

BESS 
Who is Chikula, dear? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh, I tliought you knew. He is a young evangelist who was trained in the 
school here, and has been very successful in reaching villages where John could 
hardly penetrate with safety. 

BESS 

Oh ! is he the one who came home from his last trip with two hundred 
notches .on the handle of his tooth-brush ? 

MRS. HARVEY 
(LaHghi)ig.) 
Yes, he is the one ! 

BESS 
Let's see, now, what did. the notches mean? 

MRS. HARVEY 
Every time one of the natives threw away a fetish, he made a notch. 

BESS 
Oh, yes! He must be a wonder! Xow about Kanjundu. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Well, this morning, early, a messenger arrived and said that Chikula sent 
word that all the boys who wanted to see something interesting were to come 
out to the village at once. • 

BESS 
Didn't the}- all go? 

AIRS. HARVEY 

All who could get away. Some of them had to finish orders that are 
promised for to-morrow. 

BESS 
I should think it would be a great tax on their self-control to stay. 



26 KANJUNDU 

MRS. HARVEY 

It is, poor fellows ! That is why thej' have been tr\'ing to keep their spirits 
up by singing. But a few years ago nothing could have made them stay. 

BESS 
They have really begun to know what responsibility is, haven't they? 

MRS. HARVEY 
Yes, indeed ! 

BESS 
But, Ethel, what do j'ou suppose is happening out in Kanjundu's village? 

MRS. HARVEY 

I have no idea. 

(A cheer is heard from the boys near by, left, and it is 
answered by another from a distance, right.) 

MRS. HARVEY 

There are the boys, coming home ! Now we shall find out ! 

{Both rise and move totvard the right, looking off. The 
boys coming from the right give " three cheers for 
Kanjundn." Several boys dash in from the right, and 
several others from the left, coming to meet them.) 

IVAHA 
{On left.) 



What happened! 



Kanjundu is great! 



So is Chikula ! 



BAYONA 
{On right.) 

ANEGE 



MSIDI 
Wish you'd been there. Teacher ! 

MRS. HARVEY 
But tell us what happened, boys ! 



PART II 27 

BAYONA 
The3''ve torn down the greegree houses ! 

ANEGE 
Two of them ! 

MSIDI 
All torn to pieces ! 

BAYONA 
And the witch-doctor danced around and threatened them all the time. 

MSIDI 
I should think they'd have been scared! I was, just to listen to him. 

ANEGE 
They are coming ! They must be nearly here. 

{Mr. Harvey comes in, left.) 

MRS. HARVEY 

Do you hear that, John? Kanjundu has torn down the spirit-houses! He 
and Chikula. 

MR. HARVEY 
Victory at last! Did you see them do it, boys? 

BOYS 
Yes, sir ! 

MR. HARVEY 

There was not much use in teaching half-a-dozen from the village so long 
as those houses still stood — the emblem of everything dark and terrible in 
paganism. 

MRS. HARVEY 
To think that they are actually destroyed ! I can hardly believe it. 

BESS 

Here is Kanjundu, now! 

(Kanjundu comes in. right, zvith Chikula. The witch- 
doctor follozi'S. Kanjundu is carrying a number of 
fetishes of various sorts.) 



28 KANJUNDU 

KANJUNDU 

{To Mr. Harvey.) 

I have torn down the greegree houses ! Here are the fetishes. They are 
no good ! I bring them for you to see that I throw thera away. 

{He throws the fetishes on the ground at Mr. Harvey's 
feet. There arc exclamations and murmurs of joy 
from the zvomen and boys.) 

MR. HARVEY 
Kanjundu, do you mean that you have put these away forever? 

KANJUNDU 
Yes! I follow Christ! 

MAMBA 

Faithless one ! You follow the one who pleases you. You do not care for 
the truth. 

KANJUNDU 
Have you ever given me that, Mamba? 

MAMBA 

You used to think so, and you will again. I know you ! You tear down the 
greegree houses which your father built and throw away your fetishes to 'please 
this man, because he has helped you and your sons to make money. 

KANJUNDU 
{To Mr. Harvey, calmly.) 



That is not true. 



I know it, Kanjundu. 



MR. HARVEY 



MAMBA 



You will do anything to please him. now. When your punishment has come 
upon you, you will call for Mamba to save you from the anger of the spirits. 

KANJUNDU 

I have already told you that I am through with you. I follow Christ! {To 
Mr. Harvey.) I wish to be baptized. I wish to join the Church. 



PART II 29 

MR. HARVEY 

Kanjundu, I am glacl you have come to' desire it, but— you know that Chris- 
tianity forbids polygamy. We cannot take a man into the Church who has twenty 
wives. 

KANJUNDU 
I have, this morning, sent them all away but one. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Which one, Kanjundu? 

KANJUNDU 

Kilinga. 

MRS. HARVEY 

(To Bess.) 

Kilinga ! Oh, I am so glad ! 

ONE OF THE BOYS 
She is here — hiding in the shop. She came this morning. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Kilinga ! Plere ! 

KANJUNDU 

She ran away. (To the boy.) Bring her! 

(The boy runs out, left.) 

MR. HARVEY 
Then you are in earnest, Kanjundu, and we welcome you gladly! 

MRS. HARVEY 
I am so glad, Kanjundu! 

MAMBA 

There is no hope for you ! I give you up ! When you are about to die, and 
there is none to help, then you will wish me back ! 

(He goes out. The boy who went in search of Kilinga 
conies in, dragging her by the hand.) 

BOY 

She is afraid. Teacher! 



30 KANJUNDU 

KILINGA 

{Throwing herself at Mrs. Harvey's feet.) 

He is going to send me away ! I heard about it, and I ran away. Let me 
stay with you, Teacher ! I will work hard. 

(Mrs. Harvey tries to raise Kilinga from her knees, 
while Kanjundti looks on smiling.) 

MRS. HARVEY 

But, Kilinga, listen! Kanjundu is not going to send you away. It is the 
others he has sent away. 

KILIXGA 

(Looking Jtp suddenly.) 

The others? All the others? 

(Kanjundu nods, smiling. Kilinga gets to her feet and 
turns to Mrs. Harvey.) 

KILIXGA 
Then I am his only wife. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Yes, Kilinga. 

KILINGA 
Will you teach me how to be a Christian wife to him? 

MRS. HARVEY 
Yes, Kilinga, I will teach you all I know. 

MR. HARVEY 

(To Chikula.) 

Well, Chikula, you must be happy to have had a hand in this day's work ! 

BESS 

(Looking at the pile of fetishes that Kanjundu has thrown down.) 

If you make a notch on your tooth-brush for every fetish thrown away to-day, 
there won't be room for any more ! 

CHIKULA 
Oh, I have thrown away the tooth-brush ! 



Thrown it away ! 



Why, Chikula? 



PART II 31 

BESS 

^IRS. HARVEY 



CHIKULA 

I saw that it w'as no better than a fetish itself. I had come to feel as if I 
could not do my work without that tooth-brush ! When I looked at those notches, 
I grew proud, and thought I could do anything. Then I said to myself : 
" Chikula : to trust in a tooth-brush is as bad as to trust in a fetish." And I threw 
it away. 

MR. HARVEY 

Good for 3'ou, Chikula! (To Bess and Mrs. Harvey.) I wish some of the 
people at home would get rid of their fetishes that way ! 

KANJUNDU 

Chikula is a good man ! He tears down greegree houses very fast — with 
both hands ! 



INTERMISSION 



PART III 

Mrs. Harvey and Miss Deming come in. Miss Deming runs ahead to arrange a 
seat for Mrs. Harvey. 

BESS 

There, do come, sit down and rest, Ethel ! You've been flying about so this 
morning that I haven't had a word with you — and I haven't seen you for six 
months. 

MRS. HARVEY 

I know, dear, I have treated you shamefully, but there is so much work to 
be done in the shop that I almost have to teach the boys their lessons while they 
saw and hammer and chisel ! 

BESS 
Why is there so much work just now? 

MRS. HARVEY 

Kanjundu's operations are the cause of it. Why, of course — you have not 
heard! He has kept us all busy since he joined the Church! 

BESS 
Tell me about it ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Well, first he built a dispensary out in his village. He insisted that it was 
to be as well built, in its way, as the hospital here, so that provided a good deal 
of work for the boys in the school. They make the door and window casings, 
and prepare the wood for the interior finish, you see. 

BESS 
Who manages the dispensary? 

]\IRS. HARVEY 

Two of the nurses from the hospital go over there every morning, and the 
doctor goes once a week. The nurses have all the difficult or puzzling cases come 
back on that day, for him to see them. 

BESS 
Isn't that splendid? 

32 



PART III 33 

MRS. HARVEY 

Indeed it is! A dispensary does more to break down prejudice against the 
mission than anything else in the same length of time. 

BESS 
I should like to go out to see it. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Certainly you shall! We use it for holding Sunday afternoon services, and 
you shall go out with us next Sunday. 

BESS 
Lovely ! But you haven't told me what the boys are so busy about now. 

MRS. HARVEY 

Oh ! I haven't finished the story yet. When the dispensary was built, Kan- 
jundu said he was going to build a house. We supposed of course he meant for 
himself, but after about three months he asked us to come out and see it. It 
was the dearest little bungalow you can imagine, and when we went in, what do 
you suppose he said, Bess? 

BESS 
I can't imagine ! Do hurry up ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

Well, he just waved his arm magnificently over the whole place and an- 
nounced : '■ This is yours ! It is for you to stay in when you come out here to 
teach and preach to us." 

BESS 
Ethel ! Isn't he great? 

MRS. HARVEY 
We are proud of him. 

BESS 
You may well be ! But what are they doing now? 

MRS. HARVEY 

(Laughing.) 

You must be patient ! There is so much to tell. Well, now he is building 
a schoolhouse ! 

BESS 

A schoolhouse! Who is to teach in it? 



34 KANJUNDU 

MRS. HARVEY 

That is what we are wondering. He has not said a word to us yet, but some 
of the older boys who have been out to help have told us about it. There is no 
one here who can be spared. 

BESS 
I should think not ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

(Coming out of her reverie suddenly.) 

Here I am talking about our own affairs as usual, and not giving you a chance 
to tell me anything about your trip, Bess, child ! 

BESS 
Your affairs are worth talking about ! 

MRS. HARVEY 
You found some treasures, I suppose? 

BESS 
Y"es, botanical and otherwise — mostly otherwise. I've had time to think. 

MRS. HARVEY 
And what have you thought about, dear? 

BESS 

Oh, I can't tell you all at once — only — the souls of these people aren't so vague 
to me as they were when I first came here. 

MRS. HARVEY 
You've come to know them a little, haven't you ? 

BESS 

Yes, and to admire many of them. Of course, I know more about your 
privations and sacrifices out here than I did before, and yet — it doesn't seem so 
incomprehensible now. 

^IRS. HARVEY 

I thought it wouldn't after you saw something of the work. (Rising.) There 
is Konde bringing Oraniga to see us ! She has been so good to her. 

(Konde comes in, helping Oraniga to walk. Mrs. Han'cy 
goes to meet them, welcomes them cordially, and helps 
Oraniga to seat herself. Bess also greets them.) 



PART III 35 

MRS. HARVEY 
I am so glad you have come to see us, Oraniga. How are you feeling to-day ? 

ORAXIGA 
Better ! The doctor — your doctor — made me better. 

KONDE 
He really has helped her. 

BESS 
Where is Kiiinga? 

MRS. HARVEY 
Oh, hadn't I told you? Kiiinga is taking care of her twin babies. 

ORAXIGA 
Y'es — twins! (JJ'oiideriiigly.) They seem to be all right. 

(Bess looks questioningly tozvard Mrs. Harvey, who 
explains in a low voice, while Konde arranges a foot- 
stool for Oraniga.) 

^IRS. HARVEY 

(To Bess.) 

A few years ago they would have been killed ! All the natives think twins 
are a sort of monstrosity which should not be allowed to live. 

BESS 
How horrible ! 

KONDE 
Oraniga wants to tell you something. 

MRS. HAR\'EY 
What is it, Oraniga? I am listening. 

ORAXIGA 

Yes — I must tell you. I know now that you are right— that it was Jesus, 
and not Livingstone, who was the Son of God. It is true, what Jesus told people 
about God, who is our Father ! I have prayed to him, and he heard me. 



36 KANJUNDU 

MRS. HARVEY 
Dear Oraniga ! I am so glad for you ! 

ORANIGA 
Konde has been my teacher. She is good ! 

MRS. HARVEY 
Yes, Oraniga, I know she is. I was sure she would be a good friend to you. 

KONDE 

Oh, I haven't done much. 

ORANIGA 

She is teaching Kilinga too. 

BESS 
Kilinga ! But I thought she was busy with her babies. 

KONDE 

She is learning to read, all the same ! You should see her with the babies 
tied up in a sheet on her back, sleeping quietly, while she bends over a book ! 

BESS 
She must want to learn very much. 

KONDE 

She does. 

ORANIGA 

She thinks it will please Kanjundu. 

KOXDE 
We are going to surprise him when she can read a chapter ! 

BESS 
Isn't that Kanjundu coming now? Look, Ethel! 

MRS. HARVEY 

It is Kanjundu ! He is coming for something important, too. I can always 
tell it when he walks that way. 

ORANIGA 

I think he is coming to ask for a teacher. He is building a schoolhouse. 



PART III 37 

MRS. HARVEY 

Yes. I know. (She goes to meet Kaujuudu, who comes in from the right.) 
Kanjundu, I am glad to see you ! You are very busy these days. 

KAK7UNDU 
Yes ! I am building a schoolhouse. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Oh, Kanjundu! A schoolhouse! Isn't that splendid! 

KANJUNDU 

{Gratified.) 

I think it will be good. I have come to ask for a teacher. Will you send 
us one? 

MRS. HARVEY 

{Sadly.) 

Kanjundu, what can we do? We have none that we can spare. I am so 
sorry. 

KANJUNDU 

{Unperturbed.) 
You will have to send for one. 

MRS. HARVEY 

{Hesitating.) 

I don't know how long it will be. You see, all the missionaries and teachers 
that are ready to come are already promised by the Board to some particular 
station. 

KANJUNDU 
Then send word for some one else to get ready. We must have a teacher. 

MRS. HARVEY 
Oh ! I wish I could do something ! 

BESS 
Ethel ! 

MRS. HARVEY 
{In surprise at her tone.) 
What is it, Bess? 



38 KANJUNDU 

BESS 
(Speaking rapidly.) 

I've got to go home and finish my thesis and take my Ph.D. at the university 
next spring, and then I'm going to study pedagogy in the summer school, and 
I'm coming out here next fall, if I can get the Board to send me. I am! 

MRS. HARVEY 
Bess! You dear girl! Will you really? 

BESS 

I will — and be thankful to get here. It's all so worth while ! I have a college 
position waiting for me at home next year, but why should I stay there teaching 
botany to a lot of girls who'll take it mostly because it's easy, when I know that 
there are people here thirsting for knowledge? I want to have my life count for 
the most. 

I\IRS. HARVEY 

Oh! Bess! I am so happy. It zvill count, dear! It will. Kanjundu, do you 
understand? This lady is going to come back here from America, to teach in your 
school. 

KA\7UNDU 

(To Bess.) 
I thank you ! We will take good care of you. You will live well. 
(Several boys run in, right.) 

AYENWE 

1 
The witch-doctor is coming! 

IVAHA 
]\Iamba ! He is just behind us ! 

MSIDI 
He followed us all the way home. 

MRS. HARVEY 
You weren't afraid of him, I hope? 

AYENWE 

No, not afraid, only 

IVAHA 
No, not at all, only 



No, only 



PART III 39 

MSIDI 

MRS. HARVEY 



" Only " — what? 

AYENWE 
Well, you see we didn't know what he wanted. 

MRS. HARVEY 
I see. Please run and tell Mr. Harvey that he is coming. 

(Boys run out, left.) 
Do you know what he wants, Kanjundu? 

KAX'JUNDU 

No, I do not know. He has been watching the men at work on the school- 
house. I suppose he has tried to bewitch them, but {seriously) nothing has 
happened. 

ORANIGA 
(Rising.) 
I do not like him to look upon me. I will go. 

MRS. HARVEY 

He cannot harm you, Oraniga ! Come, stay and show him you are not afraid ! 
Didn't you tell me just now that you knew God was your Father? 

ORANIGA 

Yes — yes — and he is stronger than ^ilamba. 

(Mamba conies in from the right, and Mr. Harvey from 
the left, followed by boys.) 

MAMBA 

Who is stronger than Mamba? There is only One stronger than Mamba. 
(To Mr. Harvey.) Your Christ is stronger! My charms no longer work. Your 
people are no longer afraid of me. I have no power. I am left alone! I wish 
to know this Christ. I come to you to be taught. See, I throw away my fetish. 
(He throii's the fetish down at Mr. Harvey's feet.) It is of no use. I used to 
heal others, but I cannot heal the loneliness in my heart. I need your medicine! 
Will you heal me? 



IAN 27 1913 



40 



KANJUNDU 

MR. HARVEY 




The Great Physician will heal you, Mamba. I cannot do it any more than 
you, but I can lead you to him— to Christ. LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

MAMBA 
I will come to be taught. 

KANJUNDU 
That is good ! Then we will be friends again ! 

MR. HARVEY 
This is a great day ! 

MRS. HARVEY 

A great day! And you only know half of what has happened. Bess has 
promised to come back and teach in Kanjundu's new school! 

MR. HARVEY 

Oh ! that is indeed good news for the mission ! Boys, what can we do to 
celebrate this day? 

BAYONA 
Let's have a holi^lay! 

NGWANGA 

No, let's all go out and help on the new school ! 

MR. HARVEY 

Just the thing ! Come, we will all go ! 

(The boys dance about in wild excitement, and all start 
to go at once with many expressions of joy and 
enthusiasm.) 



THE END 



